A/HRC/19/7 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its twelfth session from 3 to 14 October 2011. The review of Trinidad and Tobago was held at the 5th meeting on 5 October 2011. The delegation of Trinidad and Tobago was headed by Dennis Francis, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations Offices at Geneva. At its 9th meeting held on 7 October 2011, the Working Group adopted the report on Trinidad and Tobago. 2. On 20 June 2011, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Trinidad and Tobago: the Philippines, United States of America and Peru. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Trinidad and Tobago: (a) A national report submitted and a written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/12/TTO/1); (b) A compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/12/TTO/2 and Corr.1); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/12/TTO/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Netherlands, Slovenia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Trinidad and Tobago through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review (UPR). I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. Trinidad and Tobago stated that it views the review process as a welcome opportunity to share with the international community and the Council its progress in human rights and to receive the Council’s views on how best any gaps might be filled. It was added that, since 31 August 1962, when Trinidad and Tobago became a sovereign, democratic State, it has adopted policies and practices to recognize and protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens. These rights are enshrined in its Constitution. 6. Trinidad and Tobago explained that in preparing for the review it had undertaken a thorough consultation process involving all the relevant stakeholders, including Government ministries and departments and civil society organizations. 7. Trinidad and Tobago also indicated that the Government had given priority to the protection of women and children, poverty reduction and reducing the incidence of violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, it is committed to raising the standard of living of persons by enhancing the educational system, providing a higher level of accessibility and support to differently abled persons and improving the welfare of those living with HIV/AIDS. 3